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Associate Planner Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Merchandise Planner

Hanover, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

... associates and customers • Proven ability to plan, organize, multi-task, set priorities ... Planning systems and Microsoft Office • Expertise in retail math with strong analytical skills ...

Joint Exercise Planner Arlington, VA DEFTEC delivers mission critical solutions through skillfully ... Associate's Degree (Joint Professional Military Education and experience with joint operations will ...

Active designation(s) as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Enrolled Agent (EA), Equity Compensation Associate (ECA) or similar ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Planner information

See Washington salary details

$43.6K

$88.7K

$122.3K

How much do associate planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate planner in Washington is $88,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate planner do?

An Associate Planner typically assists in the development and implementation of plans for land use, urban development, or organizational projects. They conduct research, analyze data, prepare reports, and help coordinate public meetings or stakeholder consultations. Working under the supervision of senior planners, they support projects related to zoning, community development, or resource management. This role often serves as an entry-level position for those pursuing a career in planning, offering valuable experience in both public and private sector environments.

What are some common challenges faced by associate planners when balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines?

Associate Planners often manage several projects simultaneously, which can make prioritization and time management challenging, especially when unexpected changes arise. Juggling competing deadlines requires strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both internal teams and external stakeholders. Utilizing project management tools and regularly updating supervisors on progress can help mitigate these challenges. As you gain experience, you'll develop strategies to efficiently handle shifting priorities and tight timelines.

Is being an associate planner a good career?

An associate planner is an entry-level position in urban or regional planning that offers opportunities to develop skills in data analysis, zoning, and community engagement. It can lead to advancement into senior planning roles and often requires relevant education and certifications. The career provides a stable work environment with potential for professional growth in the planning field.

How to become an associate planner with no experience?

To become an associate planner with no experience, candidates should focus on obtaining a relevant bachelor's degree such as urban planning, geography, or environmental studies. Gaining skills in GIS software, data analysis, and project management through coursework or internships can improve prospects, and entry-level positions often require strong communication and organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Planner, you need a solid understanding of urban planning principles, data analysis, and land use regulations, usually supported by a degree in urban planning or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, Microsoft Office Suite, and planning-specific databases is commonly required, and AICP certification can be advantageous. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you effectively collaborate with stakeholders and present findings. These competencies are crucial for ensuring sound planning decisions, regulatory compliance, and successful project outcomes.

What does associate planner mean?

An associate planner is an entry-level or early-career professional responsible for supporting planning projects, analyzing data, and assisting senior planners in developing strategies. The role often requires strong organizational skills, proficiency with planning software, and knowledge of relevant regulations or standards. It serves as a stepping stone toward more senior planning positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Planner jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Planner jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Associate Planner jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Associate Planner job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Planner job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,663 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Merchandise Planner

DTLR, Inc.

Hanover, MD • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


DTLR rating

4.1

Company rating: 4.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Merchandise Planner develops, executes, and maintains merchandise plans and forecasts for a specific merchandise category. The Merchandise Planner will develop plans and forecasts for future merchandise buys based on historical sales, receiving buys, and current inventory levels. The role helps ensure planned sales, planned gross margin, and planned markdowns are achieved in each product division. They will be able to identify risks to the business and develop action plans in cooperation with the Senior Merchandise Planner, the Director of Merchandise Planning, and Divisional Merchandise Managers to mitigate inventory issues and maximize profitability.


Duties/Responsibilities


• Create and maintain merchandise plans by department and class

• Manage OTB process for specific merchandise categories

• Adjust plans and forecasts as necessary to react to trends and sales

• Analyze historical data and current trends on a weekly basis to identify opportunities and risks by vendor, styles, and classifications. Present analysis and action plans to management

• Recap monthly and quarterly performance by class against plan to support DMM’s with action steps

• Create and maintain unit plans for specific merchandise categories

• Analyze sales and margin to identify opportunities and categories to divest

• Propose planned promotions based on profitability and sales goals

• Perform regional merchandise performance analysis

• Analyze aged inventory and propose liquidation strategies for specific merchandise categories • Daily, monthly, quarterly, and seasonal sales reporting

• Create Monday reports and recaps used to analyze business and direct actions for current week

• Collaborates on brand assortment planning process

• Ad hoc recaps as needed

• Other duties as assigned


Required Skills/Abilities


• Strong merchandising, product and analytical skills

• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making skills

• Proficiency in the use of desktop applications and Windows-based programs

• Retail math literacy and application of concepts to daily operations

• Work requires a solid knowledge of business and an excellent command of the English language to effectively communicate with management, associates and customers

• Proven ability to plan, organize, multi-task, set priorities effectively and efficiently to proactively respond to changing demands, from multiple sources

• Results driven with demonstrated critical and creative thinking skills

• Project management, time management, analytical and superior organizational skills required.

• Must be able to maintain an exemplary degree of professionalism in all situations

• The ability to execute directives with precision and consistency

• Proven ability to understand product presentation

• Must demonstrate an ability to think strategically, plan and organize effectively

• May require the ability to train and develop others

• Excellent customer service skills, in person, on the phone and in writing

• Comfortable with team-based work structure and, when needed, the ability to work independently

• Demonstrate flexibility on the job

• Ability to adapt quickly and react to business needs and change

• Detail oriented, excellent time management with strong sense of urgency

• Ability to identify and clearly communicate business opportunities and risks

• Proficiency in Planning systems and Microsoft Office

• Expertise in retail math with strong analytical skills

• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills

• Strong team player


Education and Experience


• 4-year degree required

• 3-5 years in related buying experience or 5-7 years with a mix of buying, planning and placement responsibilities


Physical Requirements


∙ While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand. The employee must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear.

∙ The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

∙ Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

∙ The incumbent must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.


General Information


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. DTLR, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


Pay range:

$60,000 - $75,000 (Depending on Experience); This role will be eligible for medical, dental, vision, 401k, sick leave, parental leave, and company paid time off plan.


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